🔗 Share this article

Hurricane Melissa is predicted to strengthen into a infrequent category five hurricane as it turns in the direction of Jamaica, delivering dangerous flash flooding and mudslides.

The hurricane, which recorded wind speeds of up to 120 mph as of 0600 Greenwich Mean Time, is currently turning north-west in the Caribbean region and is projected to make landfall by early next week, according to meteorological authorities.

Advisories of power cuts and structural damage have been announced as Melissa produces up to 76cm of rainfall and sea level surges as high as 13ft above normal levels. "Take cover without delay," inhabitants have been told.

Melissa is the thirteenth hurricane in this year's Atlantic season, which usually concludes in the eleventh month.

Category Five Cyclone Threat

A highest-level cyclone is the strongest type, with winds of at least 157mph.

Although the hurricane is expected to diminish in strength to a Category 4 hurricane before reaching the island, meteorologists said there was "almost no noticeable change in the overall impacts" upon making contact with land, and that the hurricane will be "at least that intensity" when it strikes the island.

Urgent Safety Steps

With tropical storm-level winds and rain anticipated well in advance ahead of it crosses the island's interior - including potentially the city of Kingston - warnings state that "readiness efforts must be accelerated".

"An extended timeframe of damaging winds and torrential rain have begun and will cause devastating and dangerous flash flooding and multiple rock slides," counseled weather authorities.

The country's head of government the statesman commented: "I know that there are many Jamaicans who are anxious, who are deeply troubled, and with good reason: you should be concerned.

"But the optimal approach to address nervousness and any apprehension and worry is to stay ready."

Residents are being advised to fortify their houses with sand barriers and plywood sheets, and to stock up on necessary supplies.

Wider Consequences

Advisories are also active for regions of Haiti encompassing the primary urban center, the neighboring country and the eastern part of Cuba, where this storm is projected to bring similar effects by the middle of next week.

Mudslides already being caused by the hurricane have resulted in two fatalities in Haiti, according to the nation's Civil Protection agency.

Expected Path

Melissa is predicted to pass over the island nation by the middle of the week before traveling via the Greater Antilles and entering the Atlantic Ocean.

By the time it reaches the Caribbean nation, it is forecast to have weakened to a third-level cyclone.

Environmental Connection

While it is hard to associate individual weather events to climate change, researchers say it is resulting in weather phenomena more prevalent and more extreme.

Higher ocean heat create additional humidity in the environment, helping fuel the development of storms.

Before the start of the current Atlantic storm period, weather organizations projected increased storm frequency, mentioning heated marine conditions and likely enhanced seasonal rains around African coastal regions - where hurricanes typically originate.